11 Unusual Breeds You'll See at Westminster

Shaved legs, trimmed mustaches and long, luxurious coats — sometimes we think the Westminster Dog Show is like a red-carpet event for unusual-looking breeds.

Some of these dogs are heavily groomed to bring out their unique looks, while others simply roll out of bed turning heads. From the corded Komondor to the bare-naked Xoloitzcuintli, get to know the astonishing breeds you probably don't see at the local dog park every day.

Head-Turning Dogs We Can't Wait to See

Affenpinscher

The mustachioed little devil, as the Affenpinscher is nicknamed in France, has a bold manner that makes him a favorite of people who want a small dog with a “big dog” attitude. He has a rough coat with a “cape” at the neck and shoulders, Groucho Marx eyebrows, and a beard. The "monkeylike" breed gained lots of fans at the 2012 National Dog Show, where one named Joe made it to the Best in Show round for the third year in a row.

Ron Willbie, Animal Photography

Bedlington Terrier

Beneath his gentle, lamblike appearance, the Bedlington Terrier has the heart of a lion. He is one of the more unusual terrier breeds, with his crisp and curly coat and somewhat relaxed nature. Well, relaxed for a terrier. His unique hairstyle may look simple, but it is not for beginners. Frequent bathing and heavy conditioners are not recommended because they will soften the coarse coat.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography

Komondor

With her corded white coat, the Komondor, a livestock guardian breed hailing from Hungary, resembles a dog-shaped mop. Her coat helps her blend in with her flock and protects her from weather extremes and the attacks of predators. The cords are naturally occurring and should develop by the time she is 2 years old.

Eva-Maria Kramer, Animal Photography

Chinese Crested

With her graceful, fairy-tale look, the Chinese Crested can't be mistaken for any other breed. When she goes out, her bare skin needs protection from the sun, which means canine clothes and sunblock. Fun fact: Both varieties of the Crested (the hairless and the Powderpuff) can be born in the same litter.

Ron Willbie, Animal Photography

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound originated on Spain’s Balearic Islands (Ibiza being one of them), where she was used to hunt rabbits. She stands out for her large, erect ears and pink nose. She thinks for herself, steals food whenever and wherever it’s available, chases prey at every opportunity, and can flat-foot jump a five-foot fence.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has several characteristics that give him a unique look: his long, low body, a large head with a silky topknot, a "scimitar" tail, and coat colors described as "pepper" and "mustard." The Dandie takes his name from Dandie Dinmont in Sir Walter Scott’s Guy Mannering.

Nick Ridley, Animal Photography

Dogue de Bordeaux

The handsome Dogue de Bordeaux turns heads wherever he goes. This relative of the Mastiff is characterized by his massive head, muscular body and deeply wrinkled face. The breed's coat is short and fine and can be any shade of fawn from light to dark red.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli's name is a combination of Xolotl, an Aztec god, and Itzcuintli, an Aztec word for dog. Besides his bare-naked body, the Xolo is distinguished by a lean, smooth head, a wrinkled brow and large, thin-skinned ears that stand erect.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography

Otterhound

The large, shaggy Otterhound is an extremely rare breed whose oily coat can be difficult to keep clean. Bred to hunt otters in Great Britain, the water-loving breed has large webbed feet to help him swim.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography

Borzoi

With his distinctive head and flowing, silky coat, the tall and slender Borzoi looks as if he's never set a paw outside a fashion shoot.

Poodle

We know the Poodle is a pretty common dog breed, but it's not every day that you see them strolling around with this wild haircut. While most family dogs don't get this kind of grooming, we see where the breed's frou-frou reputation comes from!